Massage Oil for Soothing:
2 drops sandalwood
2 drops lavender
2 drops juniper
Mix with carrier oil.
2 drops lavender
2 drops juniper
Mix with carrier oil.
The 20 Essential oils for Aromatherapy
Essential Oils:
1:Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens and P. roseum, Geraniaceae) – Geranium essential oil has a rose like fragrance. Medicinal properties of this essential oil include being an astringent and insect repellant and an antiseptic. Geranium essential oil is often used for such health difficulties as tonsillitis, sore throat, kidney stones, nervous tension and depression.
2:Rose (Rose centifolia, R. damascene, Rosaceae) – Rose is one of the most expensive essential oils according to many aromatherapy experts. Because of this, this oil is often adulterated. This particular oil is very difficult to fine in a pure form. Rose oil has various medicinal properties including being an astringent, a tonic, and an antidepressant. In energy healing rose oil is used when working with the heart chakra.
3:Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) – Lavender is a favorite aromatic of many people. It is also known to be one of the most precious of all the essential oils. The best variety of this particular essential oil is known as lavender fine. The medicinal claims of this essential oil include, being good for the nervous system, the respiratory system and even the ability to be utilized as an insect repellant. Migraines, depression, and insomnia are just three reasons you might want to include the use of lavender essential oil. It is also often used as an antiseptic for burns and wounds.
4:Rosemary (Rosamarinus officinalis) – Rosemary essential oil has an invigorating fragrance. Medicinal claims of this oil include stimulating the adrenocortical glands and the ability to act as a diuretic. Other indications for this essential oil include items such as mental fatigue, memory loss, rheumatism, and gouty arthritis.
5:Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) – The essential oil of eucalyptus is known to be a produced in such areas as Australia and Portugal. In fact, the Aborigines considered this oil to be a general cure-all. Eucalyptus oil is used for various respiratory diseases such as asthma, sinusitis, and even the flu. This oil has a medicinal smelling fragrance which is camphor like.
6:Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – Tea Tree is an essential oil often used as a general cure-all and first aid kit. This oil tends to have a very strong medicinal fragrance. Some indications for this oil include fungal infections, urinary infections, and cystitis.
7:Pepper (Piper nigrum Piperaceae) – Yes, pepper is an essential oil. This ancient spice was, in fact, used as currency during the Middle Ages. Some indications for this oil include fever, cold, cough, decreased appetite, and impotence.
8:Sandalwood (Santalum album, Santalaceae) – The essential oil of sandalwood has a sweet and spicy smell. This particular oil is has medicinal properties which include that of being an astringent and also being an aphrodisiac. Some health conditions indicating the use of sandalwood include gonorrhea and cystitis.
9:Ylang-Ylang (Unona odorantissimum, Anonaceae) – Ylang-Ylang is an essential oil that has a sweet and exotic fragrance. The powerful fragrance of this oil is often sickening to many people. The medicinal properties of this oil include being euphoric and being a sedative. Indications for use of this essential oil include depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure.
10:Sage (Salvia officinalis) – Sage is a very versatile plant often used for medicinal purposes. Sage can benefit health difficulties such as anemia, menopause, kidney problems, mouth ulcers and tonsillitis.
11:Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) – Patchouli has a sweet a spicy fragrance with a harsh smell that some people do not like. Indications for this essential oil include anxiety, skin problems and water retention.
13:Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) – Cedarwood essential oil has, of course, a woody fragrance. Its fragrance is very pleasant and is similar to that of sandalwood. Medicinal properties of this oil include being a fungicidal. Indications for this oil include urinary tract disorders, hair care such as hair loss, and skin problems such as eczema.
14:Marjoram (Origanum marjorana Marjorana hortensi) – Marjoram essential oil has a sweet-smelling fragrance. It is often used in the cosmetic and perfume industries. Aromatherapy researchers have found that according to mythology, Marjoram was picked on the Mount Ida by Aphrodite to heal Enea’s wounds. Antispasmodic, analgesic, and digestive are medicinal claims of this essential oil. Other indications for Marjoram include insomnia, migraine headaches, and hypertension.
15:Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – Peppermint is produced worldwide. It has numerous uses in the food industry and it is also used in cosmetics and perfumes. One of the specific indications for this essential oil is impotence.
16:Rosewood (Aniba roseaodora, Lauraceae) – Rosewood oil is known as one of the major oils in the perfume industry. Indications for the essential oil of Rosewood include various skin problems such as sensitive skin, wrinkled skin, and skin wounds.
17:Grapefruit (Citrus paradise) – Grapefruit essential oil is mostly produced in the United States. It has a clean citrus fragrance. Grapefruit is used in perfumery and in the food service industry. This essential oil claims a specific therapeutic indication for obesity.
18:Neroli (Orange Blossom, Citrus vulgaris) – Neroli biguarade is the name for real neroli. The essential oil of neroli boasts the claim as one of the most expensive oils. Because of this, it is often adulterated. Its fragrance has a sweet floral essence. Medicinal properties of this oil include the following: antidepressant, sedative, aphrodisiac. Energy healers use Neroli essential oil for stimulation of the heart chakra. Indications for this oil include insomnia, nervous tension, emotional shock and grief.
19:Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Fennel essential oil has a strong fragrance. It is recorded that this oil was used by people as a protection against evil spirits and witchcraft during the Middle Ages. The medicinal properties of this essential oil are diuretic, antispasmodic, and laxative. Uses for the essential oil of fennel include such health problems as amenorrhea, kidney stones, menopausal difficulties, and obesity.
20: Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) – Anise is mentioned in one of the best selling books – the Bible. It is one of the main medicinal plants in India, Greece and Rome. Its medicinal properties include general stimulant for the digestive system, respiratory system and cardiac system. It boasts the claim of having the medicinal property of being an aphrodisiac which is stupefying at high doses. Indications for this oil include health difficulties such as impotence and epilepsy.
There are many uses for the variety of essential oils available. For the most part, they are easy to use. If you would like to find out more about essential oils, and how to incorporate them into your lifestyle, look for a variety of books on aromatherapy at your local library. Another way to obtain additional information on aromatherapy and the essential oils used is to consult with an alternative health care provider or a certified massage therapist.
For the following recipes, it is recommended that you use the ratio of 12 drops of essential oil per one ounce of carrier oil. Carrier oils can be almost any type of vegetable oil, including canola oil. You can also use apricot, avocado, or various other oils. Indulge and enjoy the following aromatherapy treats!
1:Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens and P. roseum, Geraniaceae) – Geranium essential oil has a rose like fragrance. Medicinal properties of this essential oil include being an astringent and insect repellant and an antiseptic. Geranium essential oil is often used for such health difficulties as tonsillitis, sore throat, kidney stones, nervous tension and depression.
2:Rose (Rose centifolia, R. damascene, Rosaceae) – Rose is one of the most expensive essential oils according to many aromatherapy experts. Because of this, this oil is often adulterated. This particular oil is very difficult to fine in a pure form. Rose oil has various medicinal properties including being an astringent, a tonic, and an antidepressant. In energy healing rose oil is used when working with the heart chakra. 3:Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) – Lavender is a favorite aromatic of many people. It is also known to be one of the most precious of all the essential oils. The best variety of this particular essential oil is known as lavender fine. The medicinal claims of this essential oil include, being good for the nervous system, the respiratory system and even the ability to be utilized as an insect repellant. Migraines, depression, and insomnia are just three reasons you might want to include the use of lavender essential oil. It is also often used as an antiseptic for burns and wounds.4:Rosemary (Rosamarinus officinalis) – Rosemary essential oil has an invigorating fragrance. Medicinal claims of this oil include stimulating the adrenocortical glands and the ability to act as a diuretic. Other indications for this essential oil include items such as mental fatigue, memory loss, rheumatism, and gouty arthritis.
5:Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) – The essential oil of eucalyptus is known to be a produced in such areas as Australia and Portugal. In fact, the Aborigines considered this oil to be a general cure-all. Eucalyptus oil is used for various respiratory diseases such as asthma, sinusitis, and even the flu. This oil has a medicinal smelling fragrance which is camphor like.
6:Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) – Tea Tree is an essential oil often used as a general cure-all and first aid kit. This oil tends to have a very strong medicinal fragrance. Some indications for this oil include fungal infections, urinary infections, and cystitis.
7:Pepper (Piper nigrum Piperaceae) – Yes, pepper is an essential oil. This ancient spice was, in fact, used as currency during the Middle Ages. Some indications for this oil include fever, cold, cough, decreased appetite, and impotence. 8:Sandalwood (Santalum album, Santalaceae) – The essential oil of sandalwood has a sweet and spicy smell. This particular oil is has medicinal properties which include that of being an astringent and also being an aphrodisiac. Some health conditions indicating the use of sandalwood include gonorrhea and cystitis.9:Ylang-Ylang (Unona odorantissimum, Anonaceae) – Ylang-Ylang is an essential oil that has a sweet and exotic fragrance. The powerful fragrance of this oil is often sickening to many people. The medicinal properties of this oil include being euphoric and being a sedative. Indications for use of this essential oil include depression, insomnia, and high blood pressure. 10:Sage (Salvia officinalis) – Sage is a very versatile plant often used for medicinal purposes. Sage can benefit health difficulties such as anemia, menopause, kidney problems, mouth ulcers and tonsillitis.11:Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) – Patchouli has a sweet a spicy fragrance with a harsh smell that some people do not like. Indications for this essential oil include anxiety, skin problems and water retention.12:Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris A. herba alba) – The fragrance of the essential oil of Mugwort is a slightly musky. Some of the indications for Mugwort oil include amenorrhea, hysteria, convulsion, nervous emesis (vomiting), and epilepsy.
13:Cedarwood (Cedrus atlantica) – Cedarwood essential oil has, of course, a woody fragrance. Its fragrance is very pleasant and is similar to that of sandalwood. Medicinal properties of this oil include being a fungicidal. Indications for this oil include urinary tract disorders, hair care such as hair loss, and skin problems such as eczema. 14:Marjoram (Origanum marjorana Marjorana hortensi) – Marjoram essential oil has a sweet-smelling fragrance. It is often used in the cosmetic and perfume industries. Aromatherapy researchers have found that according to mythology, Marjoram was picked on the Mount Ida by Aphrodite to heal Enea’s wounds. Antispasmodic, analgesic, and digestive are medicinal claims of this essential oil. Other indications for Marjoram include insomnia, migraine headaches, and hypertension.
15:Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – Peppermint is produced worldwide. It has numerous uses in the food industry and it is also used in cosmetics and perfumes. One of the specific indications for this essential oil is impotence.
16:Rosewood (Aniba roseaodora, Lauraceae) – Rosewood oil is known as one of the major oils in the perfume industry. Indications for the essential oil of Rosewood include various skin problems such as sensitive skin, wrinkled skin, and skin wounds. 17:Grapefruit (Citrus paradise) – Grapefruit essential oil is mostly produced in the United States. It has a clean citrus fragrance. Grapefruit is used in perfumery and in the food service industry. This essential oil claims a specific therapeutic indication for obesity. 18:Neroli (Orange Blossom, Citrus vulgaris) – Neroli biguarade is the name for real neroli. The essential oil of neroli boasts the claim as one of the most expensive oils. Because of this, it is often adulterated. Its fragrance has a sweet floral essence. Medicinal properties of this oil include the following: antidepressant, sedative, aphrodisiac. Energy healers use Neroli essential oil for stimulation of the heart chakra. Indications for this oil include insomnia, nervous tension, emotional shock and grief. 19:Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) – Fennel essential oil has a strong fragrance. It is recorded that this oil was used by people as a protection against evil spirits and witchcraft during the Middle Ages. The medicinal properties of this essential oil are diuretic, antispasmodic, and laxative. Uses for the essential oil of fennel include such health problems as amenorrhea, kidney stones, menopausal difficulties, and obesity.20: Aniseed (Pimpinella anisum) – Anise is mentioned in one of the best selling books – the Bible. It is one of the main medicinal plants in India, Greece and Rome. Its medicinal properties include general stimulant for the digestive system, respiratory system and cardiac system. It boasts the claim of having the medicinal property of being an aphrodisiac which is stupefying at high doses. Indications for this oil include health difficulties such as impotence and epilepsy.
There are many uses for the variety of essential oils available. For the most part, they are easy to use. If you would like to find out more about essential oils, and how to incorporate them into your lifestyle, look for a variety of books on aromatherapy at your local library. Another way to obtain additional information on aromatherapy and the essential oils used is to consult with an alternative health care provider or a certified massage therapist.
For the following recipes, it is recommended that you use the ratio of 12 drops of essential oil per one ounce of carrier oil. Carrier oils can be almost any type of vegetable oil, including canola oil. You can also use apricot, avocado, or various other oils. Indulge and enjoy the following aromatherapy treats!
Kalonji/Nigella Seeds: Natural Cure and Benefits
Indian names:
English: Nigella Seeds
Gujarati: Kalonji
Kannada: Kalu jeerege
Malayalam: Karunjiragam
Tamil: Karunjeeragam
Telugu: Nalla jeelakara/Kalonjilu
Kalonji, which may also be called nigella, refers to small black seeds grown on Kalonji bushes, which are grown widely through India. The plant may have originally been grown in Turkey and/or Italy, but according to herbal lore has been grown in India for several millennia. Kalonji is both flavoring, added to a variety of traditional foods, and an herbal remedy that has been touted as the magic bullet for a variety of ailments.
Kalonji seeds are about the same size as sesame seeds, though they have a more triangular instead of oval shape. In foods, you’ll find kalonji seeds in a variety of recipes. They may be added to traditional Indian flatbread (naan), any type of curry or stew, and to dal. Lovers of these little black seeds praise their nutlike, somewhat peppery taste. To make this taste most evident, kalonji may be prepared first by being roasted in a pan. Due to the high oil content, it is unnecessary to add other oils during the roasting process.
Sometimes the seeds are used to make oil. It’s rare to find such oil outside of India or Arabic countries, but you can order it online. It’s normally used more as an herbal remedy than as cooking oil, and may be present in a variety of lotions or ointments to treat skin conditions.
Some of the ailments which kalonji purportedly cures include:
Common cold
Male pattern baldness
Facial paralysis
Kidney and Bladder stones
Earache
Asthma
Dysentery
Amnesia
Heart Palpitations
Rabies
The list of supposed cures is extremely extensive and nigella is said to cure anything short of death or plague. These are obviously inflated claims with little evidence to prove any truth regarding most of them. The use of these black seeds may be helpful as a laxative because of their high oil content, and the oil made from the seeds might be helpful in treating dry skin. Beyond that, most of the purported herbal remedies are based on slim and anecdotal evidence, with little Western medical evidence in the form of double-blind clinical trials to support claims of the magic cures the seeds supposedly offer.
Despite dubious claims regarding health benefits, these black seeds can be a tasty addition to foods, and if they do promote health, this may be the ideal use of kalonji. Consider topping breads with kalonji, adding a few seeds to soups or stews, or mixing them into hummus for extra texture.